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twinsunplus1's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.75
bickleyhouse's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book was recommended by my manager at the library. It's the first book in a series that has at least twenty books in it, now. I'm a fan of time travel stories, so I checked it out. Boy, am I glad I did!
We are introduced, in this book, to our "hero," Madeleine Maxwell, usually referred to as "Max" in the story. She is recruited to join an outfit called "St. Mary's," that is funded, apparently, by a local university. Before she can even be interviewed, she must sign a NDA, stating that she can never discuss what she sees that day with anyone outside of St. Mary's. Once she finally learns what is happening, she is all in.
The writing and story line, here, remind me quite a bit of Connie Willis's work. I haven't read all of hers but have read some, and have thoroughly enjoyed them. Willis's work is a bit more serious, I think, as there were many moments in Just One Damned Thing when I was laughing out loud. But it has its deadly serious moments, as well, especially in the two major time jumps that the team does.
At one point, they go back to the Cretaceous period, which is thrilling. And one discovery that is made during that jump (or actually after it) leads them to the last jump of the book and what is attempted there. I'm not going to say any more about that one, in order to avoid spoilage.
I was amused, early on, by a line that seem to sum up the attitude of Max perfectly. When told to think carefully about her decision as to whether she will join up with St. Mary's, her thought was "Thinking carefully is something that happens to other people." I rather love that line. Later on, it is almost repeated as she thinks, "Health and Safety is something that happens to other people."
And just to add a little spice to the story, there is a sudden and almost unexpected (but not quite) sex scene on page 163 that is quite intense. As far as I can remember that is the only such scene in the book.
I am quite looking forward to continuing in the series. I just looked at a favorite website, Book Series in Order, which recommends that I read The Very First Damned Thing next, even though it is the tenth volume in the series, as it is billed as a "prequel."
We are introduced, in this book, to our "hero," Madeleine Maxwell, usually referred to as "Max" in the story. She is recruited to join an outfit called "St. Mary's," that is funded, apparently, by a local university. Before she can even be interviewed, she must sign a NDA, stating that she can never discuss what she sees that day with anyone outside of St. Mary's. Once she finally learns what is happening, she is all in.
The writing and story line, here, remind me quite a bit of Connie Willis's work. I haven't read all of hers but have read some, and have thoroughly enjoyed them. Willis's work is a bit more serious, I think, as there were many moments in Just One Damned Thing when I was laughing out loud. But it has its deadly serious moments, as well, especially in the two major time jumps that the team does.
At one point, they go back to the Cretaceous period, which is thrilling. And one discovery that is made during that jump (or actually after it) leads them to the last jump of the book and what is attempted there. I'm not going to say any more about that one, in order to avoid spoilage.
I was amused, early on, by a line that seem to sum up the attitude of Max perfectly. When told to think carefully about her decision as to whether she will join up with St. Mary's, her thought was "Thinking carefully is something that happens to other people." I rather love that line. Later on, it is almost repeated as she thinks, "Health and Safety is something that happens to other people."
And just to add a little spice to the story, there is a sudden and almost unexpected (but not quite) sex scene on page 163 that is quite intense. As far as I can remember that is the only such scene in the book.
I am quite looking forward to continuing in the series. I just looked at a favorite website, Book Series in Order, which recommends that I read The Very First Damned Thing next, even though it is the tenth volume in the series, as it is billed as a "prequel."
mandriol's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This was not a great book unless you know that going in. It’s a fun book to read if you want wild and crazy things happening with no explanation or buildup. A lot of stuff didn’t make sense but it was fun at a certain point giving up trying to understand the Swiss cheese plot and leaning into the drama. Oh and it’s very very very British.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Violence
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Child death
kersknowe's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
dennasus's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
I really, really enjoyed this one. I had heard about this series a long time ago, but was hesitant at first, because I sort of lost interest in this blend of sci-fi / history stories. But I finally got around to start with this and I got hooked quickly. I liked the narrator's "Max" voice quite a bit, not too serious, but not too superficial either. The sci-fi / "time-travel" bit was explained easily enough, the characters were quirky and lovable, there was/is a romance aspect, which I always like. The pacing of the story was well done as well, I did not get bored at all, but there were still enough quiet and tender moments. The next book of the series is ordered already. [written 9 May 2024]
[I've stopped giving star ratings in May 2024]
[I've stopped giving star ratings in May 2024]
katerockreads's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
mbenzz's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun little jaunt through history!
Lately, I've been in a series kind of mood (something that RARELY happens) and this is one hell of a series! I loved the time travel escapades of St. Mary's Historians (DON'T call them Time Travelers!) and Max is a fun and quirky heroine.
My only gripe with this book is there are a LOT of characters. Some are referred to by their first names, most are called by their last name, but every now and again she would switch it and call someone who's been referred to mainly by their last name by their first name. It was very difficult to keep people straight.
Time was also very hard to follow (and not because it's a book about time travel). There's no indication of how much time has past. At one point I thought Maxwell had only been at St. Marys for a few months when she mentioned she bought a pair of shoes she was about to wear a few years AFTER joining St. Marys. A few YEARS?! I had no idea! And near the end, we learn she's been there for 5 years!
Those couple things aside though, I really enjoyed this book. Immediately upon finishing it, I downloaded and started Book 2. If you're a 'Doctor Who' or time travel fan, I definitely recommend this book. I can't yet comment on the series as a whole but it's certainly off to a great start.
Lately, I've been in a series kind of mood (something that RARELY happens) and this is one hell of a series! I loved the time travel escapades of St. Mary's Historians (DON'T call them Time Travelers!) and Max is a fun and quirky heroine.
My only gripe with this book is there are a LOT of characters. Some are referred to by their first names, most are called by their last name, but every now and again she would switch it and call someone who's been referred to mainly by their last name by their first name. It was very difficult to keep people straight.
Time was also very hard to follow (and not because it's a book about time travel). There's no indication of how much time has past. At one point I thought Maxwell had only been at St. Marys for a few months when she mentioned she bought a pair of shoes she was about to wear a few years AFTER joining St. Marys. A few YEARS?! I had no idea! And near the end, we learn she's been there for 5 years!
Those couple things aside though, I really enjoyed this book. Immediately upon finishing it, I downloaded and started Book 2. If you're a 'Doctor Who' or time travel fan, I definitely recommend this book. I can't yet comment on the series as a whole but it's certainly off to a great start.
jen1988's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0